Lexus ES recall history
8 recall campaigns and 788 complaints in official NHTSA data for the Lexus ES (1996–2025). The most commonly reported problem areas are Air bags, Structure, Power train.
Last updated: (NHTSA data snapshot)
At a Glance
Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.
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Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the Lexus ES. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.
Key Takeaways
A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Lexus ES, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.
- Coverage spans model years 1996–2025 with 8 recall campaigns and 788 complaints in NHTSA data.
- Years with the most recall activity: 2024 (2), 2023 (2), and 2025 (1).
- Years with the most complaint volume: 2007 (159), 2008 (76), and 2005 (69).
- Top recall themes: Airbags and Other.
- Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Air bags, Structure, Power train.
- Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
- Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).
Recall Themes
Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.
Airbags
2 campaigns · Years: 2019–2021These campaigns relate to airbag system components and deployment/airbag readiness issues.
Common Problems in NHTSA Data
Across all model years, the most commonly reported problem areas for the Lexus ES in NHTSA complaint data are Air bags, Structure, Power train.
How to read NHTSA complaint data to research common problems →
Jump to Model Year
Year-by-Year Overview
Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
| 2024 | 2 | 6 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Lane departure, Seats, Vehicle speed control. |
| 2023 | 2 | 8 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Tires, Forward collision avoidance, Fuel/propulsion system. |
| 2022 | 0 | 7 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Back over prevention, Tires, Seat belts. |
| 2021 | 1 | 27 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Steering, Service brakes. |
| 2020 | 1 | 13 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance. |
| 2019 | 1 | 48 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Fuel/propulsion system, Engine, Air bags. |
| 2018 | 0 | 7 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling, Fuel/propulsion system, Structure. |
| 2017 | 0 | 2 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Exterior lighting, Engine. |
| 2016 | 0 | 7 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Power train, Service brakes. |
| 2015 | 0 | 6 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Steering, Suspension. |
| 2014 | 0 | 1 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes. |
| 2013 | 0 | 43 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control. |
| 2012 | 0 | 33 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Electrical system, Visibility/wiper. |
| 2011 | 0 | 59 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Structure, Electrical system. |
| 2010 | 0 | 46 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Structure, Visibility/wiper. |
| 2009 | 0 | 29 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Electrical system. |
| 2008 | 0 | 76 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Structure, Engine. |
| 2007 | 0 | 159 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Structure, Visibility/wiper. |
| 2006 | 0 | 12 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Engine, Power train. |
| 2005 | 0 | 69 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Power train, Vehicle speed control, Air bags. |
| 2004 | 0 | 21 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Vehicle speed control, Air bags, Power train. |
| 2003 | 0 | 36 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Vehicle speed control, Power train, Service brakes. |
| 2002 | 0 | 46 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Electrical system, Structure. |
| 2001 | 0 | 3 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Power train, Tires. |
| 2000 | 0 | 9 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Service brakes, hydraulic, Tires. |
| 1999 | 0 | 8 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Air bags. |
| 1998 | 0 | 3 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Engine, Power train. |
| 1997 | 0 | 2 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Seats, Power train. |
| 1996 | 0 | 2 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Fuel/propulsion system. |
What to Do Next
- Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
- If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
- If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.
Recall Evidence by Year
A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.
Most common areas involved: Back over prevention and Air bags
Other Lexus Models
Explore recall and complaint data for other Lexus models.
⚠️ Important Safety Information
Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.
For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.